A Nipah virus outbreak has been confirmed in West Bengal, India, with five reported cases, including healthcare workers. This serious health development has led to the quarantine of approximately 100 people and triggered airport screenings in several international locations.
When were the Nipah cases first identified?
The initial cases were detected around January 13, 2026. Two nurses at a private hospital in Barasat, near Kolkata, were the first confirmed patients. Subsequently, between January 19 and 22, 2026, three more cases were confirmed, involving a doctor, another nurse, and a health staff member, all transferred to Beleghata ID hospital.
What are the quarantine and screening protocols?
The West Bengal Health Department has issued guidelines, overseeing the quarantine of about 100 high-risk contacts. Airport screenings for individuals traveling from West Bengal began on January 25, 2026, in Thailand (Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket), Nepal, and Taiwan.
What are the official guidelines for Nipah management?
Individuals with high-risk exposure to bodily fluids or droplets are required to undergo a 21-day home quarantine with twice-daily checks. Symptomatic cases are immediately isolated in hospitals. Suspected patients are tested via RT-PCR, and discharge is permitted only after two negative tests within a single day, followed by a 90-day monitoring period. Healthcare workers are mandated to use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Is there a vaccine or cure for Nipah virus?
Currently, there is no approved vaccine or specific cure for Nipah virus. Treatment primarily involves managing symptoms, with experimental antivirals considered in some cases.
What is the current status of the outbreak?
As of January 26, 2026, five confirmed cases and approximately 100 quarantined individuals have been reported. Significantly, no new cases or deaths have been reported in the last 24 hours. Taiwan is proposing a Category 5 classification for the virus (requiring a 60-day review), and Nepal has intensified its border and airport checks.
